Bhilwara

Bhilwara is a small city in Rajasthan and is popularly known as the textile city of India. It is one of earliest cities to have joined the list of Green Cities of Rajasthan.There are two different stories related to describing how the city got its name, Bhilwara. According to the local tradition, the place will be originally discovered and inhabited by a tribe known as Bhil. Bhil Tribe is believed to have occupied this place in the middle of the century and became the first settlers. They also set up a temple in the city that is known as “Bada Temple” or “Jataun Ka Mandir.” The temple exists even today in the oldest part of the city, Purana Bhilwara (Old Bhilwara) or Bhilwara Gaon (Patwari Mohalla, Junawas). The city of Bhilwara that is spread over a diameter of more than 70 km currently is believed to have centered in this part of Old Bhilwara. As Bhil Tribe primarily occupied the city and hence, it was called Bhilwara. In the present Bhilwara, there are only a few people left belonging to Bhil Tribe as most of them were driven away by the peasants to remote areas. The town is more than 900 years old and is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan.

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There are two different stories related to describing how the city got its name, Bhilwara. If we go according to the local tradition, the place will be originally discovered and inhabited by a tribe known as Bhil. Bhil Tribe is believed to have occupied this place in the middle of the century and became the first settlers. They also set up a temple in the city that is known as “Bada Temple” or “Jataun Ka Mandir.” The temple exists even today in the oldest part of the city, Purana Bhilwara (Old Bhilwara) or Bhilwara Gaon (Patwari Mohalla, Junawas). The city of Bhilwara that is spread over a diameter of more than 70 km currently is believed to have centered in this part of Old Bhilwara. As Bhil Tribe primarily occupied the city and hence, it was called Bhilwara. In the present Bhilwara, there are only a few people left belonging to Bhil Tribe as most of them were driven away by the peasants to remote areas. The town is more than 900 years old and is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan.

There is another version of the story that suggests that the name Bhilwara has derived from the term “Bhilwadi” that referred to the coins that were minted in this place in ancient times. There used to be a mint in the place where we have Bhilwara in present India, and it was a significant source for minting coins. Hence, the district started to be called as Bhilwara and the city built around the particular place is referred as Bhilwadi.

According to the record of Indian Archeological Department, Mughals had set up a military base in a small town of Mandal that lies close of Bhilwara to launch an attack on the city of Chittaurgarh[1]. The ruins of the base can be seen even today to support its existence in the past. There are also exists a tower on the Mandal hill locally known as "Mandara (minar)”, that was supposed to be used as a watch tower to keep an eye of the approaching intruders. The watch tower has been converted into the Devi Temple.

Some facts suggest that Bhilwara existed even in the prehistoric period neolithic culture prevailed in Bagore village. One of the pillars that are situated in Nandsa village of Bhilwara District revealed the influence of Vedic rituals and culture and was probably built in first century BC. Bhilwara has also been mentioned in Mahabharat, the great epic of ancient India concerning Arjuna who is believed to have fought here during that period.

Bhilwara is situated in Rajasthan and the climatic conditions in the whole state are pretty much the same everywhere. It is a desert place with hot and dry summer, and the temperature can drop close to freezing point at night during winters. Winters starts mainly from the month of December and lasts until the end of February. It is followed by a month of a gradual rise in temperatures to mark the start of summer. Summer starts from March and lasts up to June where the temperature can easily hit 45 degree Celsius or more. Monsoon brings some respite in the region starting from the month of July and posts monsoon season lasts until the end of November.

Harni Mahadev: A historical Shiv Temple situated on a mountain about 8 km from the city of Bhilwara. The temple was built by Darak Family in the ancient period and serves a significant Hindu pilgrimage center for the tourists coming to Rajasthan. The hills surrounding the temple offer an incredible scenic view full of greenery for the people coming to the temple. The name Harni has been derived from the village Harni which lies adjacent to the hill and Mahadev is one of the names of Lord Shiva. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the occasion of 3 days fair on Shivratri where you can explore the best of Rajasthan’s culture and traditions. You can also visit Chamunda mata Mandir [2] that lies on the same hill and offers a fantastic view of the whole city from the top. Samriti Van[3] is a small but beautiful garden located close to the temple. There is another temple called Dani Dham Temple which you can visit on the way to Harni Mahadev. Several buses and taxis are offering excellent connectivity to the temple from Bhilwara city.

Pur Udan Chatri: Pur Udan Chatri is a lovely picnic spot at just 10 km away from the city of Bhilwara. It is popular for a small open temple called “Adhar Sheela Mahadev” that is built on a large rock nicely balanced on a small rock. The place lies on top of a hill, and you could enjoy a lovely view of the surrounding and the city from this location.

Kyara Ke Balaji Temple: This Hanuman temple holds a special place among the locals and the people of Rajasthan. The amazing part of the temple is the image of Lord Hanuman that is not carved or established but has appeared naturally. It is also popular for the images of Patola Mahadev and Ghata Rani that can also be seen on the rock. The temple lies just 10 km away from the city of Bhilwara, and there are many local taxis and buses to facilitate connectivity to the temple.

Tilesva Mahadev Mandir: A talismanic temple of Lord Shiva situated close to Bhilwara in Bijauliya tehsil. It is built in a “Kund” with a statue of Ganga Mata in the center. It is believed that taking a bath in the Kund can heal off all sorts of skin diseases. The water to the Kund is supplied by a tank placed in front of the temple.

Pyare Lal Ghewar Chand (Beawer Wala Halwai), Lane behind the Bank of Rajasthan building, Railway Station Road, Bhopalganj, ☎(01482) 226 934. 08:00-20:00. Known for making quality sweetmeats in pure Ghee. Undoubtedly the best in city. Famous for Moong Daal Laddu, Makkhan Bada (Balu Shahi), Ghewar, Maal Pua, Gulab Jamuns and Jalebi. Traditionally, Ghewar and Maal Pua are made only during the rainy season. Maal Pua is made of Rabari and the sweet is uniquely attributed to its local style of preparation and is adored as best in Rajasthan. Ghewar offered herewith should not be confused with the Rabari Wala Ghewar - which is a specialty of sweet makers from Jodhpur (Marwar) - and the Paneer Ghewar (Cheese Ghewar) - which is a specialty of Laxmi Misthanna Bhandar, the sweet makers from Jaipur. Preparation style of Ghewar offered at this shop is unique to Mewar and, nonetheless, the taste is great, mesmerizing and unforgettable. Highly recommended for someone with an appetite for traditional Indian sweets. INR 150 - 500 per kg of particular Sweet. edit

Hari Bhai Kachori Wala (Main), Near Punjab National Bank, Bazar Number 2, Bhopalganj Market, ☎(01482) 235 294. 08:00-19:00. Famous for his delicious Kachori (Daal Kachori) and Samosa (Potato Fried Bread). Recommended to be taken with Dahi (Curd or Yoghurt or Yogurt). Enjoy the Masala Chai (Spicy Tea) which is one of the best in the city. Sit back leisurely and relax between the mass as the shop is generally crowded with people. Consequently, cleanliness may be an issue. You may also enjoy the sip of chilled Lassi (Sweetened Yogurt or Yoghurt or Curd) here at. Popular amongst locals with 2 more branches in the city.INR 8/- per piece for Kachori and Samosa. INR 10-15/- for Lassi. edit

Pandit Ji Aloo Bada Centre, Near Pratap Talkies, Bhadada Bagh. 08:00-19:00. Renowned for delicious and spicy Aloo Bada preparation which is served along with pakodis, Dahi (Curd/Yogurt/Yoghurt) and Imli ki Chutney (Tamarind soup). This Aloo Bada preparation is different in taste when compared to the World Famous Aloo Badas of Jodhpur(Marwari Aloo Bada) but nonetheless highly recommended for their sheer spicy taste owing to their serving with the aforesaid mixture. May enjoy Tea and snacks including Samosa and Kachori. Generally crowded and cleanliness may be an issue. Closed on the occasion of Purnima (Full Moon Night).INR 10/- per piece. edit

Hotel Harsh Palace, Leyland Chouraha , B.S.L. Road , Gandhinagar,BHILWARA-311001, ☎01482-246865, 01482-246304,01482-246336. Hotel Harsh Palace is a hotel in Bhilwara owned by Shri Amar Singh Ji Bhandari, and managed by Mr. Shiv Chaudhary ,having 48 A.C.rooms with all facilities including 8 A.C. faciliated large suites.It has a 2700 sq.ft. conference room with Kanchan Restaurant with a capacity of dining 120 people.The restaurant cooks prepare many delicious cuisine with sizzler, french fries,chowmein,paneer butter masala ,pineapple raita being the best.There is a vast garden of more than 56500sq.ft. which has a jogging passage all around. There is a 18600sq.ft. parking lot with full security.It has special packages for 'Marriages'.Understanding the needs for the marriage and other functions,there is a 4000sq.ft. Bhojanalaya too . The hotel also has special facilities for staying drivers.(25°20'40N,74°37'26E)edit

Ranbanka Heritage Resort :[4] Ranbanka Heritage Resort gives you a real feel of Rajasthan culture and traditions with its palace-like structure. It consists of 55 rooms divided into five categories and each equipped with central air conditioner. It is just three km away from the Bhilwara Railway Station and six km from the Bhilwara Bus Stand. You can book a room online by their official site or any online booking site like cleartrip.com.

Hotel La Abode Bhilwada :[5] Hotel La Abode offers a lavish accommodation in Bhilwara with modern interiors and elegantly designed rooms. It is located at a walking distance of 0.5 km from Bhilwara Railway Station and 1.8 km from Bhilwara Bus Stand. It offers 15 fully air-conditioned rooms with multiple amenities.

Hotel Bhagyodaya Residency:[6] Hotel Bhagyodaya Residency offers a perfect accommodation with decent facilities at very very affordable prices. You can avail all the facilities that are needed for a peaceful stay including air-conditioned rooms, 24 hours power backup, hot and cold water facility, 24 hours front desk availability, etc. It is just 1 km from the nearest railway station